‘World’s highest court must hold states accountable on climate change’: ICJ hearings

The Hague - Two weeks of climate hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ended today with communities most affected by the climate crisis, national governments and international organisations urging the Court to clarify the responsibilities of States to mitigate climate impacts and protect the rights of current and future generations.

The request for an advisory opinion from the ICJ was led by 27 law students from The University of the South Pacific seeking to address critical questions on the legal duties of States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent climate-related harm, and safeguard human rights.[1][2]

Cynthia Rosah Bareagihaka Houniuhi, Youth representative from the Solomon Islands and president of the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, said: "I stand before you, not as an individual, but as the living embodiment of the voices of our people - past, present and future. For my people, and for the world's youth and future generations, the consequences are existential. As judges of the World Court, you possess the power to help us course-correct and renew hope in humanity's ability to address the greatest challenge of our time. And you can do this simply by applying international law to the conduct responsible for climate change."

Jule Schnakenberg, Interim Executive Officer, World's Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) said: "For years, we have campaigned for a strong advisory opinion from the ICJ that delivers climate justice and will ensure human rights are protected worldwide. We now celebrate the conclusion of the hearings, during which many nations, particularly from the Global South, had the opportunity to personally address the Judges at the World Court. Unfortunately, some of the world's biggest polluters failed to take responsibility, presenting flawed arguments aimed at undermining the international rule of law and neglecting their longstanding obligations. We trust the Court to reject these absurd claims and uphold the clear majority view that wrongful conduct causing harm must lead to reparations, using this unique opportunity to strengthen international law against climate change."

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: "After five years of collective campaigning, powerful advocacy, and mobilising communities, governments and civil society from across the world, this historic campaign and the result of the two weeks of court proceedings can shape what true climate justice looks like. This pivotal moment could be what generations refer to as the time when world leaders and international law chose the protection of human rights of current and future generations when dealing with the threats of climate change. The ICJ judges have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the course of history - we urge them to make this moment count."

Louise Fournier, Legal Counsel at Greenpeace International, said: "This moment is a triumph of people-power. From the Pacific Island students who sparked this movement to the impacted communities who shared their stories and fought tirelessly to be heard, together, we've created a watershed moment for climate justice. Together, we've compelled the Court to confront what's really at stake: not just the loss of land and livelihoods, but of our culture, history, and identity. This is a call for accountability from those who prioritise profit over people, a demand for solidarity with those facing the worst of the climate crisis, and an urgent plea for action-not tomorrow, but today. And this is only the beginning. Once the advisory opinion is out, we can expect to see more cases, including inter-state disputes, as the fight for global climate accountability continues to heat up."

Danilo Garrido, Legal Counsel at Greenpeace International, said: "High-emitting countries repeatedly tried to cast doubt on the science that attributes climate harm to their emissions and to limit the scope of issues before the Court. But their pushback failed. The hearings showed that the majority of States recognise they have concrete obligations to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to fight climate change - and believe swift action is required under international law. States built on recent findings by international courts, including the landmark Klimaseniorinnen case before the European Court of Human Rights, to stress that climate obligations are not limited to the Paris Agreement but are also shaped by human rights law, the law of the Sea and customary norms such as the obligation to prevent transboundary harm."

"With the unprecedented participation of over 100 States and international organisations, the ICJ cannot possibly ignore the voices of the Global South, and especially Small Island States, who are demanding climate justice grounded in international law."

Alongside court hearings in The Hague, people most affected by the climate emergency held storytelling events to share the harsh realities of climate loss and damage as well as their hopes and struggles for a world with climate justice.[3] Events included The People's Assembly, a Candlelight Vigil and Talanoa, an immersive exhibition with The People´s Museum for Climate Justice, and the launch of Just Poetry.[4]

ENDS

Photo and video for media use available in the Greenpeace Media Library

Notes:

[1] Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change Request for Advisory Opinion

[2] In 2019, 27 law students from The University of the South Pacific formed Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, with a campaign for the International Court of Justice to issue an Advisory Opinion on the responsibilities of States in respect to climate change.

[3] Witness Stand for Climate Justice

[4] The People's Assembly

Contacts:

Kate O'Callaghan, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, [email protected], +61 406231892

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

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